Reading character in the face : Lavater, Socrates, and physiognomy

Author

Berland, K. J. H.

Document type

Article (journal)

Language

English

Source

Word & image. 1993, Num. 3, Vol. 9, 252-269, 7 ill.

ISSN

0266-6286

Abstract (en)

Traces the history of interpretations of Socrates's physiognomy from the 16th through the late 18th cs., showing two patterns of development. First is the evolution of physiognomy itself, together with shifts in the notion of character. Second is the fact that the history of visual images has continued to provide interpreters with a flexible body of material. Thus, portraits of Socrates serve as raw material which could be adapted or refashioned to support a new preconception or theory. Lavater, like his predecessors, finds the mind's construction in the face deductively, forming a notion of mental construction first, then seeking confirmation in detail afterwards.

Subject (en)

• General history of art -- 1400-1800
• Lavater, Johann Kaspar, 1741-1801
• Physiognomy
• 1500-1800
• Socrates, 469-399 B.C.
• Portraits

Subject (fr)

• Histoire générale de l'art -- 1400-1800
• Lavater, Johann Kaspar, 1741-1801
• Physiognomonie
• 1500-1800
• Socrate, 469-399 av. J.C.
• Portrait

Origin

DatabaseBHA (Inist-CNRS/GRI)

Identifier19940401-00340345

Sauf mention contraire ci-dessus, le contenu de cette notice bibliographique peut être utilisé dans le cadre d'une licence CC BY 4.0 / Unless otherwise stated above, the content of this bibliographic record may be used under a CC BY 4.0 license